A guide to buying your first pushchair

Finding the right pushchair can be a challenge. There are so many out there, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Whichever one you choose is going to directly affect your mobility, so it's vital that you pick one which is going to be safe, efficient, and comfortable for your little one.

So, before you buy, you need to think about these THREE key things:

1. Your Baby's Needs

Age is key in deciding which pram you should get. A newborn is going to need different things from a toddler, and the features of your chosen pram should reflect this:

0-6 Months

You Need:

- A seat which allows your baby to lie flat. During the first 6 months, babies cannot support the weight of their heads, so lying flat promotes healthy spinal development and assists with their breathing.

- Good suspension and a sturdy frame will ensure for a smooth ride.

- A parent-facing seat. This is a new and scary world they're experiencing; allowing them to face you whilst you're out and about will put them at ease.

We Recommend:

- A travel system, as this includes a Car Seat and/or Carrycot. Both can be attached to the frame of the pram. Carrycots, in particular, are a great addition, as they are highly safe and allow your baby to lay completely flat. Car Seats are handy as they allow you to transition your baby from pushchair to car hassle free.

Just BE CAREFUL not to use these features as a substitute for a moses basket, crib or cot. We know how tempting it is to just leave your sleeping baby in a car seat, but only a lay flat surface has been designed specifically for sleeping.

6+ Months

You Need:

- A good seat. It must be roomy, adjustable, and comfortable in order to accommodate those rapidly growing limbs. And as your baby can now sit, you can swap the Carrycots and Car Seats for the Pram Seat.

- A lightweight and compact pram. From here on out, your little one is going to become more and more active, and as soon as they find their feet, they will take any opportunity to run off and explore. So, having a pram that you can manoeuvre one-handed will be beneficial whilst trying to keep a hold of your little explorer.

- A forward and backward facing seat. Whilst curiosity may often mean that your child will want to look around them, giving them the option of sitting facing you is also a good idea.

- A larger shopping basket. And no, this is not just for all you shopaholics out there! This feature will come in handy as you take longer trips with your toddler, thus increasing the amount that you need to take with you.

2. Your Needs

It's important to remember that you are going to be using this pram just as much as your baby, so it's highly important that you take your needs into consideration when buying your pram.

Consider:

- The PRICE. Everyone has a budget, and prams can cost anywhere from below £100 to over £1000. Not everyone can afford to buy the most expensive pram on offer, so know roughly how much you're willing to part with before diving in and splashing the cash.

- The SIZE. If you don't have much storage space at home, or like hitting up the shops (and those narrow aisles), then a bulky, non-foldable pram is not going to be your friend.

- The WEIGHT. This is going to be important if you live in a block of flats, or use public transport often. In these cases, the lighter the pram, the better for your arm muscles.

- The SPECIAL FEATURES. What's going to help you the most? A large shopping basket? An adjustable handle bar? Swivelling front wheels? Know what you're looking for when conducting your search, and bear in mind that every special feature you add is going to affect the price.

3. Your Lifestyle

Finally, where are you planning on using this pram? In the city? Whilst you're running? To go abroad? In the country? You must take into consideration your lifestyle, as this will greatly affect the type of pram you need.

The Urban Pushchair:

- A lightweight and compact pram. Preferably one that's easy to fold too, as this way it'll be great for public transport and ready for any chance encounters with a prams arch nemesis: stairs.

- A spacious shopping basket. No doubt if you use your pram in the city, you will come across the shops and, if you're anything like us, will need somewhere to put the 'accidental' purchases you make.

The Rural Pushchair:

- Air tyres, flexible front wheels, and great suspension will ensure that this pram can tackle all different types of terrain.

- The ability to fold into a compact size also will also be appreciated if your family enjoy travelling a little further afield and need a car to get to your chosen beauty spot.

The Travel Stroller:

- Lightweight is going to be key if you want to travel with your pram.

- It also needs to be easy to manoeuvre and fold so that getting on and off a plane will be no hassle at all.

- A larger shopping basket means that there will be plenty of space for the souvenirs.

Now that you are armed with everything you need to know about buying a pram, go forth to www.prams.net and find your perfect match. With brands such as Maclaren on offer there's a whole variety of different prams designed to suit you and your baby's every need. You'll be spoilt for choice!